Islam Slimani makes return from injury in Algeria’s loss to Iran

Islam Slimani of Algeria tries to score past Aymen Mathlouthi of Tunisia during the Afcon Group B match between Algeria and Tunisia on the 19 January 2017 at Franceville Stadium, Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Mar 28, 2018. 17:00

Newcastle United striker Islam Slimani made his much-anticipated return from injury on Tuesday night when he appeared as a substitute in Algeria’s friendly international against Iran.

It was the 29-year-old’s first run out since appearing for Leicester City on New Year’s day in a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Since then he has joined Newcastle on loan, but a niggling thigh injury has prevented him from playing for the Magpies.

However, after this appearance, it is believed that he will be available for their relegation six-pointer at home to Huddersfield Town this weekend.

Slimani replaced midfielder Carl Medjani in the 63rd minute of Algeria’s match against Iran in Graz. He was unable to help the North Africans recover from a 2-1 deficit, though he did receive a yellow card in his time on the field.